COVID-19: warning over people posing as nurses on dating sites

Posted 22 May 2020 - 11:00

Latest scam involves people pretending to be hospital nurses who need money to get to work

Picture: iStock

Individuals are reportedly taking advantage of the pandemic by posing as hospital nurses on dating sites and asking for money to help them get to work.

National Crime Agency director general Lynne Owens said: ‘We’ve seen reports of a dating fraud where people are pretending to be... a nurse in a hospital and say, “I need money to help me to get to work,” and abuse people that way.’

People selling fake or non-existent items related to the pandemic

Others are playing on people’s fears during the health crisis by offering fake or non-existent items for sale, including personal protective equipment, medicines and hand sanitiser, she said.